In December 2002, PitchWind Systems AB (www.pitchwind.se) commissioned a wind-diesel system rated 30 kVA on Osmussaare. The wind-diesel system is the only power source on this isolated island in Estonia. The end user is the Estonian Border Guard and the project was carried out in cooperation with the local partner Empower EEE, who also supplied the tower of the wind turbine.

PitchWind's wind turbines are especially well suited for wind-diesel applications, because of the variable speed operation and special control system. The power electronics used in the project are standard industrial products made by ABB and the wind-diesel control system was supplied by the ĹF Group.

This control system is based on LonWorks technology, with options available for efficient use of energy, such as demand side management and multiple tariff system. Thus, renewable energy and energy efficiency can easily be integrated for optimum fuel savings.

During 2003, PitchWind plans to install a similar wind-diesel system together with Empower EEE on Vaindloo, another remote Estonian island.